Sursum Corda Third Order of the Society of Saint Pius X Number 3 - Autumn 2013 Canon Law on Third Orders There are often inquiries about the Third Order Why does a young man join a monastery? If one of the Society of St. Pius X. At times, explanations considers the ultimate reason, it is to follow the call seem vague or insufficient, as if the whole context or of God. The more proximate reason is to follow a cer- background is missing. This issue of Sursum Corda tain rule of life. The monk has the objective to live in is to expound on the question of third orders accord- a certain manner, to be subject to a certain formation ing to Canon Law, thus providing the background and and practices, indeed a whole life. He hopes to par- entire context to the definition of a third order. take in a program of sanctification, that program laid If a definition were to be given—a third order is an down by the order he joins. As the order has a certain association of laity who are members in a religious character and means of sanctification, the monastery order. It is in this light that Tertiaries are part of the is for him a school in sanctity. family and truly members of any religious order. As What of faithful who do not live in a monastery? such, they possess an additional means of sanctifi- Can they take something of that way of life, some- cation through the order; they are instructed in the thing of that spirit and road to sanctification, and spiritual life by the specific character and spirit of apply it to themselves? Can they engage in some of the order; and they partake in the spiritual treasures the same practices so as to reach sanctity? This is a of the order. third order. Continued on p. 3 Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God Priory, 2656 Warners Road, Warners, NY 13164 Letter from the Chaplain Dear Third Order Members, Unfortunately this issue is a little delayed. Being sta- Church. When the only option was to consecrate bishops, tioned at a boarding school is not necessarily the most he did not use this as any kind of license to do as he wished. compatible assignment. Nevertheless, we manage. He rather provided the bare essentials. For the members Find within this issue an explanation of third orders ac- of the Society to understand his actions as rebellious and cording to the laws of the Church. The article does have revolutionary and to rejoice therein would have afflicted some conclusions which many may be surprised at. It is greatly this man of the Church. He understood the gravity clear the actions of our Founder were inspired by zeal for of the situation; he did not rejoice in it but rather agonized the salvation of souls. Having established various organi- over the dilemma. Love for the Church and respect for Her zations and associations as a missionary bishop, he un- laws is certainly the legacy of Archbishop Lefebvre. derstood well these organizations were beneficial for the This issue therefore considers canon law and third or- faithful. He also knew his motives and principles of act- ders. The purpose is to engender a love for the Church ing were certainly in line with the spirit and mind of the and the sense that we belong to something bigger than Church. ourselves. In this time of crisis, to see clearly and steer It is good for members to think with the mind of the the straight course, we should rely on the prudence of the Church—sentire cum Ecclesia. It is this mind which ev- Church rather than our own prudence. This was always ery Catholic must learn and conform to. The laws of the said by the Archbishop—to do what the Church has al- Church show this mind and therefore show the spirit of ways done. Christ. This animating spirit seeks above all the salvation On a practical note, a woman’s retreat is scheduled for of souls. The laws exist for the salvation of souls. This is August 18-22 at Lindenwood Retreat Center in Donaldson, why every future priest studies Canon Law; to learn the Indiana. This facility is owned by the Poor Handmaids spirit of the Church, to work within the jurisprudence of of Jesus Christ. It is a large facility in a beautiful setting. the Church, to know the way the Church behaves. We will not be permitted to use the very beautiful Ancilla It is for this reason laws are not to be treated lightly; Domini Chapel, nevertheless, we are permitted to set up they are not made to be broken as the saying goes. While a chapel in one of the conference rooms. Details for this most laws do not foresee every contingency, to determine women’s retreat are provided on the back page. I hope this from personal judgment that a law is to be set aside is tan- adventure is a success. Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, tamount to casting Christ aside. It is the liberal who seeks and Western Pennsylvania are all within driving distance. emancipation from the laws; it is the liberal who continu- Please find within this issue an incorrect addresses list. ally excuses his behavior in the name of epikeia. (For those If you know someone on the list, please help me resolve who interject at this moment—‘this is the example given the issue by obtaining their address or phone number. I by Archbishop Lefebvre’—it is most certainly not!) appreciate your help in this matter. Many believe the SSPX is above the laws simply be- And finally, read through the Questions and Answers of cause there is a crisis of Faith. With those seeking our de- Fr. Peter Scott regarding television. I think this is impor- mise sitting in the seat of the legislator, it becomes an easy tant as he mentions specifically the Third Order. solution to dismiss the laws, somehow treading out the In Christ, storm. This is even easier to conclude as the laws them- selves are used as a truncheon to beat us out of existence. In all this crisis of the Faith, we observe the admirable virtue and balance of Archbishop Lefebvre to preserve at Fr. Adam Purdy all costs the letter of the law while retaining the spirit of the Church. To step outside the laws was completely un- thinkable for him, for it was the same to step outside the 2 Sursum Corda Autumn 2013 Continued from p. 1 The Code of Canon Law speaks volumes concern- of the public cult. (Canon 685) ing the salvation of souls, as well as the means to provide for that sanctification. These laws concern all the members of the Church including the laity. There are sections of the law concerning the laity, what are Erection of an Association their rights, what associations they may belong to, No society is recognized in the Church unless it how these groups are formed, etc. Third orders are has been either erected by the competent ecclesiasti- therefore regulated by the laws of the Church. cal authority, or at least approved by it. The right Concerning the laity, the Code of Canon Law to erect or approve associations is vested in the states: The laity has the right to receive from the Roman Pontiff, and also in the local Ordinary ex- clergy the spiritual goods and especially the neces- cept in the case of those associations the erection of sary means of salvation, according to the rules of which is by Apostolic privilege reserved to others. ecclesiastical discipline. (Canon 682) Even though it can be proved that a papal privilege The law speaks of the right of the laity. As Jesus was required for the validity of the erection, unless Christ instituted the sacrament of the priesthood, it is stated otherwise in the privilege: however, the and indeed the Church as a hierarchical society, cer- consent of the Ordinary granted for the erection of tain things are due in justice to the members of that a religious house applies also the erection in that society. This right of the laity corresponds to the duty same house—or in the church attached to it—of an of the clergy. If the laity has the right to receive from association which is not constituted after the na- the clergy, the clergy in turn have an obligation to ture of an organic body and is proper to the respec- provide. This right of the laity is conferred partly by tive religious organization. (Canon 686.1-3) the divine law (in reference to the necessary means This canon explains why it was so important for of salvation), and partly by ecclesiastical law (as Archbishop Lefebvre to receive approval in found- regards the sacramentals, sacraments not necessary ing the Society of St. Pius X. In fact, the Archbishop by divine precept, etc.) showed off the document of approbation to the seminarians with a great enthusiasm and excite- ment. He said on the occasion, ‘you see, we have the approval of the Church’. Archbishop Lefebvre was a Associations of man animated with love for the Church. He knew the importance of the adhering to the laws of the Church. Faithful in General He knew that in completing the requirements of the Third orders come under that section in the Law law, his work would certainly be blessed by God. referred to as Associations. Every Third Order is an Association of Laity.